Now Presenting: Scandinavia, Europe’s North Star

Scandinavia has long been one of Europe’s most lovely, charming regions – a winter wonderland that sparkles in summer, equally postcard-worthy under the sun or the snow. Cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo are well-travelled and travellers give them rave reviews. But it’s not just Denmark, Sweden, and Norway that deserve your love – Finland and Iceland, which aren’t technically ‘Scandinavian’ but are often lumped in with the others, look simply delightful, too.

Norway

Yes, it’s expensive. “But you quickly, if grudgingly, accept the damage done to your wallet after a few hours strolling around this beguiling city,” writes The New York Times‘ Stuart Emmrich, “particularly in summer, when the sun’s last rays still haven’t faded by 11 p.m. and the locals, unshackled from the oppressiveness of the Scandinavian winter, seem to be in a nonstop party mode.”